Woman claiming to have Covid-19 in court charged with attempted robbery and coughing in the face of police officer

A 39-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with attempted robbery and coughing at a police officer.

At around 6.30am on Thursday, May 28, a 19-year-old woman was walking along The Avenue, in Newmarket, when near to the junction with High Street another woman grabbed her bag which was across her shoulder.

A brief struggle ensued, which resulted in the victim falling to the floor, but she managed to keep hold of the bag and get away from the offender.

Police were called and following initial enquiries a suspect was identified and an attempt was made to arrest a woman in Fred Archer Way, later the same morning at 9.50am.

During the course of the arrest the suspect coughed in the face of an officer and said she had coronavirus. She was then taken to Bury St Edmunds’ Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Saskia Francis, of New Cheveley Road, Newmarket, was subsequently charged with attempted robbery and assault on a police officer.

Francis appeared before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 29, and was remanded in custody pending a next hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, June 26.

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